Shoulder surgery ends campaign for Sanchez

NEW YORK — Mark Sanchez's season is over. It might be the end of his time with the Jets, too.

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By The Associated Press

recordonline.com

By The Associated Press

Posted Oct. 9, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By The Associated Press
Posted Oct. 9, 2013 at 2:00 AM

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NEW YORK — Mark Sanchez's season is over. It might be the end of his time with the Jets, too.

The maligned quarterback, who was once dubbed "The Sanchize" and drew early comparisons to Joe Namath, had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday.

The procedure, which repaired a torn labrum, was performed by Dr. James Andrews, the team announced. Sanchez, who hasn't played since being injured in the third preseason game, said he was advised by Andrews and other doctors to have surgery after seven weeks of rehabilitation.

"I'm very disappointed that I can't be out there to help my team on the field," Sanchez said in a statement, "but I'll continue to help our team in whatever capacity I can."

Whether that is the case beyond this season remains to be seen. Sanchez, the team's top draft pick out of Southern California in 2009, helped lead the Jets to consecutive trips to the AFC title game in his first two seasons. While his overall numbers were far from eye-popping, his success with the team was unparalleled for a Jets quarterback in his first two seasons. With big-time potential, many fans and media likened Sanchez to the next Broadway Joe.

The Jets and then-GM Mike Tannenbaum rewarded Sanchez with a hefty three-year contract extension following the 2011 season, a deal that included about $20 million in guarantees.

But things really unraveled last season, culminating in him being benched for a game in favor of Greg McElroy. His 52 turnovers the last two years were the most in the NFL during that span, leading to concerns as to whether Sanchez could turn things around and live up to the expectations the Jets had when they made him the No. 5 overall pick.

The Jets drafted Geno Smith in the second round in April to provide stiff competition for Sanchez for the first time in his career, and the rookie now appears to be the future of the team.

Sanchez still has three years remaining on his contract, which included $8.25 million in guarantees this year, but it's a strong possibility the Jets could make room under their salary cap next offseason by parting ways with him.

"Throughout this process, our goal has been to provide Mark every opportunity to return this season," general manager John Idzik said in a statement. "He and our medical staff have worked very diligently to that end and now it has been concluded that surgery is required. He will have our full support for a complete recovery."

Sanchez was placed on short-term injured reserve on Sept. 14, meaning he would not be able to play for eight weeks while he recovered. At that time, he thought he would still be able to return this season and possibly reclaim his starting job.